The interrenal gland and ACTH and prolactin cells in the adenohypophysis of Monopterus and their roles in osmoregulations

Osmoregulation in the stenohaline freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) in deionized water

Transfer of the stenohaline catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis from tap water (TW) to deionized water (DW) resulted in an increase in the glomerular filtration rate, urine volume and osmolar and free water clearance. In a closed system, where the DW was renewed only once a day, no change in the plasma osmolality was evident for up to 14 days. When DW was renewed four times a day for 25 days, a significant reduction in the plasma osmolality was observed within 24h. When the fish were transferred back to TW, plasma osmolality increased to normal freshwater level within 24h. These observations suggest the existence of highly efficient branchial mechanisms for active uptake of salts from an exceedingly dilute ambient medium. The fact that prolactin-secreting cells as well as corticotrophs in the pituitary of the fish in DW were highly stimulated suggests the involvement of the hormones in the adaptive responses of the catfish to DW.

[Ultrastructure of prolactin cells and survival of Gambusia sp. (teleost fish) in deionized water enriched in calcium or sodium]

The ultrastructure of the prolactin (PRL) cells of Gambusia was studied in animals kept in deionized water (EDes) and in EDes supplemented either with Ca2+ (10,2 and 15,3 mM) or with Na+ (10,2 and 15,3 mM). In environments supplemented with CaCl2 the maximal survival was 40 days. The stimulation of PRL cells was similar to that described in EDes. On the contrary, in environments supplemented with NaCl, 50% of the animals are still alive after 45 days. PRL cells are slightly stimulated and their ultrastructural aspect is similar to that observed in controls kept in freshwater. The significance of these results is discussed in relation with our present knowledge of the pituitary control of osmoregulation in teleost fish.